Fans Shocked and Outraged After Learning Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Never Performed Live at the 2025 AMAs

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani were listed among the performers at the 2025 American Music Awards, but fans at the show got a different experience than expected.

Although they were announced as live performers, attendees quickly realized that Shelton and Stefani’s sets were actually pre-recorded. TikTok videos shared from the venue showed that instead of live appearances, the couple’s performances were broadcast on large screens for the audience — just like what viewers saw at home.

One TikTok clip showed Shelton’s hit “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” playing while a video of him in a blue striped shirt and jeans was projected on screen. The actual stage remained empty, with crew members and bandmates setting up for the next segment of the show. The fan captioned the post: “When Blake Shelton is ‘performing’ at the [American Music Awards] but there’s no Blake Shelton in sight 🫠.”

The same thing happened during Stefani’s performance, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of her 2004 album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Her medley included hits like “Hollaback Girl,” “What You Waiting For?” and “Rich Girl.” A video played of her in an orange dress that transformed into a pink frilly minidress as she sang “The Sweet Escape” and her latest track, “Swallow My Tears,” accompanied by dancers and a live band — all on screen, with no live appearance on stage.

Another TikTok user commented on the moment, writing over their video: “Gwen Stefani Live at the AMAs… the live view… ‘We’ve been lied to,’” and adding in the caption, “LIKE WHATTT… why would they say performing live when they aren’t even here?? 😭.”

Shelton was also shown introducing Stefani’s segment, wearing the same outfit from his pre-recorded set. He told the crowd, “Tonight, she’s celebrating the 20th anniversary of that AMA win by performing two of her biggest hits and her newest hit. Let’s hear it for my one and only, the one and only Gwen Stefani.” It’s unclear whether that introduction was live or pre-taped as well. Neither artist appeared on the red carpet earlier in the evening.

The AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, took place live at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26. Alongside Shelton and Stefani, other announced performers included Lopez, Janet Jackson, and Rod Stewart — who were honored with the ICON Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively.

The show also featured live performances from Gloria Estefan, Lainey Wilson, Benson Boone, Reneé Rapp, Becky G, Manuel Turizo, and Alex Warren.

Billie Eilish won big, taking home “Artist of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” and “Song of the Year,” all accepted via pre-recorded speech. Gracie Abrams was crowned “New Artist of the Year.”